Local
Portland man accused of selling heroin supplied through Mexico-based operation
A 24-year-old man was arrested in Portland after investigators found nearly a pound of heroin and more than $1,500 in cash, police say. Court records allege he sold large quantities around the metro area for a Mexico-based boss.
A 24-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after a search of his Portland travel trailer uncovered nearly a pound of heroin and more than $1,500 in cash, police said.
Brayan Alberto Reyes Ramales faces two counts of delivering heroin and two counts of unlawful possession, according to court records. The Westside Interagency Narcotics Team served a search warrant at his trailer in the 13900 block of Southeast Woodward Street.
A probable cause affidavit alleges Ramales told investigators he came to Portland from California at the direction of a boss in Mexico and sold large quantities of heroin to about nine people in the metropolitan area. The records do not specify when he moved to Portland.
Investigators say Ramales described buying heroin by the pound for $5,000 to $7,000. A courier allegedly delivered each shipment at a different location. After Ramales sold the drugs, another courier collected the proceeds, according to the affidavit.
The alleged sales price was $40 per gram or $500 per ounce. Ramales told investigators his boss paid him $600 a week, plus a per diem for food, gas and rent, court records say.
Police also seized a phone allegedly used for drug sales. Investigators found daily expense reports tracking sales and spending, according to court records.
Ramales is being held at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail and is scheduled to appear for arraignment Friday. He has no prior criminal convictions in Oregon, court records show. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.